Randy Russ is your typical Michigan outdoorsman – he loves nothing better than experiencing the sights and sounds of woods and water through hunting and fishing. It's a way for him to get some calm from a hectic day-to-day pace.

"In this busy world you can get lost in the shuffle," said Russ, 55 of Lansing. "The Sparrow team made me feel important to them."

Sparrow's heart team has a unique approach to involving patients in their care. And they work closely with patients after they leave. Russ credits Sparrow cardiologist Joel Cohn, M.D., and mid-Michigan's leading heart team with helping him understand his heart disease and what he needs to do to stay healthy.

In 2008, Russ had cardiac stents inserted to open a blocked artery.

"I was really impressed with Dr. Cohn and the entire heart team," he said. "With everything that I had going on, I felt like I was in the best hands possible. That helped me to believe that everything would turn out just fine, and it did."

Sparrow is home to expert physicians and nurses who've been bringing innovative care and research to the region for years.

Russ has made major lifestyle changes, thanks to the help he's received from Sparrow.